Sister Lucy answered casually, a bit curious: “By the way, didn’t Evelyn come over?”

“Evelyn?”

The others were slightly taken aback and said, “What, is that young lady coming to eat with us too?”

“We talked on the phone this morning. She said she’d be coming back.”

As Sister Lucy spoke, she took out her phone, but when she called, no one answered.

No one found it strange. These days, during the great decline of civilization, and with mysterious forces everywhere in the wilderness, the maintenance of many facilities had been greatly affected. Even though the Will Barrier Project and the formation of the super city circles had eased some troubles, it was still common for information base stations to be damaged and not repaired in time. Phone calls—especially wireless cell signals—failing was a frequent occurrence.

Everyone just picked up their chopsticks and laughed: “Maybe that young lady is having too much fun shopping and lost track of time?”

“Didn’t she say yesterday she was taking leave to go home and take care of her elders?”

“……”

“They’re talking about that intern, right?”

William Carter thought to himself, but something about their tone sounded odd.

Seeing that the intern wasn’t coming, no one seemed worried about any accidents. Instead, they all looked a bit relieved?

“Oh right, Little William.”

Since the call didn’t go through, no one waited any longer. They clinked glasses, drank, and started eating.

The bearded Uncle Jack sat next to William Carter. Noticing his curiosity, he lowered his voice and chuckled:

“You and I have similar tempers, so I won’t hide anything from you. I’ve already told you about the seven major reimbursement tricks in our squad.”

“Now, I have to tell you about the three big taboos in our team…”

“Huh?”

William Carter hadn’t expected there to be taboos in such a small place, so he quickly put down his chopsticks and listened intently.

“Taboo number one.”

Uncle Jack said seriously, “The underwear that Sister Lucy picks for you—you must wear it. Don’t ever secretly change it just because you think it’s ugly.”

William Carter was a bit stunned: “Why?”

“Don’t ask yet, just remember it.”

Uncle Jack picked up a piece of meat for William Carter and put it in his bowl, saying, “Trust me, you’ll see the benefits once you wear it.”

“All right…”

William Carter was a bit helpless. “What are the other two taboos?”

Uncle Jack lowered his voice even more: “Second, never listen to the captain, and don’t go out with him casually.”

“…Especially when he says he’s treating!”

“……”

William Carter was surprised—was there really a team like this?

“And the third…”

“The third is, that intern named Evelyn Young—you’d better steer clear of her whenever you can…”

“……”

Just as William Carter perked up his ears to listen carefully, Sister Lucy suddenly turned her head, gave the two of them a charming, impactful smile, and said with a grin, “What are you two whispering about? Let me hear too, okay?”

Uncle Jack immediately chickened out, chuckled awkwardly, and reached for more food with his chopsticks. “Let’s eat, let’s eat.”

……

……

After spending three years in the training camp, William Carter had gotten used to the food there—or rather, grown tired of it.

In terms of food quality and health, of course, the meals at this small base couldn’t compare to the training camp.

But in terms of flavor, they were undoubtedly more down-to-earth and comforting.

Especially that pot of unknown meat, stewed by Brother Bobby until it was tender, fragrant, and smooth, cut into big chunks, filling the mouth with rich meaty flavor and savory juices. It was clearly nothing expensive, yet it offered a strangely luxurious and hearty experience that made one feel grounded and content.

The few pickled side dishes he usually soaked were also crisp, tangy, and refreshingly sweet.

And the plate of stir-fried intestines made by Brother Bobby with his wok taught William Carter a truth…

Forget the flashy stuff—stir-frying is the true way to enjoy pork intestines.

Of course, as a newcomer, he was mindful of his image and didn’t go overboard.

He took a few bites of each dish, finished two bowls of rice cleanly, and didn’t miss a single toast to the captain and the senior members.

Everyone in the team was left with a great impression of this young, slightly shy boy, praising him endlessly.

As the meal was coming to an end, Captain Owen said, “Little William, now that we’ve eaten together, we’re family. I’ve already taken care of your paperwork. Our little place doesn’t have all that messy stuff. Get yourself ready and come help out here.”

William Carter obediently replied, “Okay, Captain. What do I need to prepare?”

“Game consoles, magazines, snacks, pets… If nothing else, you can buy some yarn and knit sweaters like Little Brian…”

“Huh?”

“…Otherwise, how will you pass the time?”

“Oh!”

On his very first day reporting in, William Carter already felt like he’d fallen in love with this place.

Seeing William Carter agree so readily and without complaint, Captain Owen also let out a long sigh of relief.

What a good kid!

Honestly, when he first heard that William Carter came from a professional training camp, he was worried they’d get another workaholic who wouldn’t fit in with everyone.

Who likes a grind freak anyway?

His expression grew even more amiable as he said to William Carter: